News

Volunteers needed to support witnesses and victims of crime

Published

9 years ago

July 29, 2017

Tom Sinclair

I’m here for you

A SERVICE dedicated to helping witnesses and victims of crime is looking for volunteers.

Goleudy is a service commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner that provides anyone affected by crime, regardless of if they’ve reported it to the police, with the support they need to recover from their experience.

It relies on volunteers to provide a tailored support plan to witnesses and victims and the service is crying out for more help. In particular Goleudy is looking for Community Victim Support Volunteers, who are required to give confidential listening support and practical help to victims and witnesses of crime.

Goleudy manager Nichola Rance said: “Our service relies quite heavily on support from volunteers and our numbers are currently very low. This means witnesses and victims of crime may not be getting the help they would like. If we were able to boost our volunteers’ numbers significantly we would be able to get people on the road to recovery much faster.

“The role of Community Victim Support Volunteers is a rewarding and interesting opportunity for someone who likes the idea of helping vulnerable people get through a difficult time. You have to be over 18 and would have to go through specialist training and a vetting process before embarking on the role. I strongly urge people to get in touch if they wish to know more about this opportunity.”

The role entails contacting people who have been victims of crime, either on the phone, or at the victim’s home, communicating a way appropriate to the person being supported, clearly explain the support Goleudy can offer to empower victims to overcome the emotional, psychological and practical effects of crime.

Goleudy offers support to victims and witnesses in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys. The crime does not need to have been reported to police before accessing the support available. In fact, one of the roles of Goleudy is to talk to someone about their options if they haven’t reported the crime, talk through what happened to them and how they feel about it.

Goleudy aims to provide a high standard of care for victims and witnesses in the Criminal Justice System. For more information about Goleudy visit www.goleudyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk.

To find out more about volunteering for Goleudy email [email protected] or call 01267 226463.

Crime

Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Court Reporter

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.

Crime

Woman fights order taking four dogs from her

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.

Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.

The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.

The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.

Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”

She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.

Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.

The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The case continues.

News

Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.

The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.

Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.

Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.

“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.

“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”